Kodak vs. Costco

By Christian Roemer

You’ve heard the commercials or seen the ads. You’ve done some research, and now you’re here. You’re ready to think about digitizing your home videos, pictures, or slides, but you’re not sure which service to use. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

Over the past few years, there have been a few different brands of digitization services popping up all claiming to do the same thing. Like with everything in life, not everything is equal, and all services are not the same. That’s where this article helps. We’re going to compare Kodak Digitizing vs. Costco Video Plus to give you an idea of what to expect with each service.

First, the Basics

If you’ve used film before--and we know that you have, because you’re looking to digitize it--you’ve heard of Kodak. One of the premier manufacturers of film over the years, you probably have memories stored on Kodak pictures, cassettes, and film. Kodak basically doesn’t need an introduction.

Costco Video Plus is handled through a third party called YesVideo. They’re based in California, but they also have a hub in Atlanta. When you drop off your videos at a Costco, they’ll pack them into a YesVideo box and send them back to the store when they’re ready.

Now that you have a high-level introduction, let’s get into the weeds a little bit. In order to compare the two services, here’s a handy chart that’ll help you get an idea of what to expect with each service.

Kodak Digitization

Costco Video Plus

Only 1 company handles your film, cassettes, and photos?

Yes

No

Anyone can use it?

Yes

No (Membership required)

Easy shipping from home?

Yes

No

Film Fromats Accepted

Regular 8, Super 8, 16mm

Regular 8, Super 8, 16mm

Tape Formats Accepted

VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Video 8, Digital 8, Mini DV, Betamax, Micro MV, PAL

VHS, Betamax, VHS-C, Hi8, Mini DV

Convenient Packages to Choose?

Yes

Yes

Step-by-Step Tracking?

Yes

Yes

Package Starting Price

$62.99 w/ Coupon

$19.99 - Up to 2 tapes

Turn-around Time

2-3 Weeks

3-4 Weeks

Thumb Drive of videos/photos included?

Yes

No

Customer Service Availability

Through Kodak Digitizing. All questions answered by the Kodak team.

Questions filtered through Costco, answered by YesVideo.

USA Today Recommended?

Yes

No

So what are the biggest differences?

For one, Costco doesn’t digitize things themselves. They just put your memories in a box and ship them somewhere else. With Kodak Digitizing, you’ll pack your things into a Kodak box, it’ll go to a Kodak facility, and Kodak will keep you updated the whole time. You don’t have to worry about middle men.

Second, Costco’s digitization services still require you to have a Costco membership.

Lastly, Costco can’t help you if you have questions or need a status update. They’ll have to pass you through to someone else. That’s a hassle. With Kodak Digitizing, only one company handles everything from pick-up to redelivery. You’ll have access to tracking information the whole time, and if you have questions, you can call us anytime. We have awesome customer service.